Intel Sandy Bridge Video Decode For Linux

[phoronix]

Phoronix: Intel Sandy Bridge Video Decode For Linux

Since Intel began shipping Intel Core i3/i5/i7 "Sandy Bridge" CPUs back in January, H.264 VA-API video (decode) playback acceleration has been available if using all of the proper open-source Linux packages needed for support. The video encode support though wasn't there on time nor was there much in the way of official communication in what to expect or when it would come, but the word received at Phoronix was that it would be a Q1 target. It looks like the code for VA-API video encode on Sandy Bridge is nearly ready...

http://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=OTMwOQ

[d4ddi0]

There is a saying in the programming world:

First make it work.
Then make it work right.
Then make it fast or pretty. (I've heard it both ways)

I think it is awesome that intel devs are doing this hardware video decode work. Obviously they see Nvidia and Broadcomm's work in this area as enough of a threat that it must be done.

[albatorsk]

So, will a P8H67 motherboard be required to use this functionality, or will P8P67 work as well?

[darkbasic]

Still waiting for Q2 2010 GMA45 decode support

[Michael]

Still waiting for Q2 2010 GMA45 decode support

Don't expect it to come... I talked with Keith about it this week. Evidently he's seen some fork of it on the G45 internally, but they just don't have much interest in it anymore.

[Veerappan]

There is a saying in the programming world:

First make it work.
Then make it work right.
Then make it fast or pretty. (I've heard it both ways)

I think it is awesome that intel devs are doing this hardware video decode work. Obviously they see Nvidia and Broadcomm's work in this area as enough of a threat that it must be done.

I agree with the order of priorities here. Getting it to work correctly is much more important than getting fast, but incorrect, output. Once it works correctly, then you can make it work faster.

[curaga]

Michael, is the title wrong? s/decode/encode/ ?

[Michael]

Michael, is the title wrong? s/decode/encode/ ?

Yep, fixed. Just got back from LF Summit at midnight and didn't get much sleep.

[darkbasic]

Don't expect it to come... I talked with Keith about it this week. Evidently he's seen some fork of it on the G45 internally, but they just don't have much interest in it anymore.

Too bad

[Kano]

@albatorsk

You can use a Hxx board, but you can only oc the gfx core with it. If you want to oc the cpu too you need to wait for Z68 boards, most likely next month. Pxx does not work.